Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard he targeted two boys, aged 12 and 14, and asked them to send intimate photos of themselves.

Judge Richard Twomlow QC said: “This predatory behaviour is a worry and a concern to parents.”

Isaac admitted causing or inciting child prostitution or pornography, performing sexual acts in the presence of a child, encouraging a child to engage in a sexual activity and the possession of indecent photos of a child.

He committed sexual acts himself while on video calls with the boys and also possessed indecent images of an unidentified third boy.

Speaking after the sentence, Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan said the case “highlights the need for parents and children to understand the dangers of online gaming.

“Social media and online games like Minecraft are now central to our children’s lives but they provide a channel for abusers to easily reach and influence both boys and girls online,” he said.

“Recent research into children referred to five of Barnardo’s specialist services found that nearly two-thirds of children groomed online went on to meet their abuser.

‘Planned and calculated’

“Parents need to understand the mobile technology their children are using and what they’re doing online so they can protect them. And children themselves need to be aware of danger and how to keep themselves safe.”

Lucy Dowdall, senior crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Wales Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: “This was a planned and calculated course of action on the part of Isaac and it is right that he has been made to face up to what he did in a criminal court.

“This case serves as another reminder to anyone who has caring responsibilities for children to be alert to online safety matters so that wherever possible, children are prevented from coming into harm’s way.

“Nevertheless we hope this case also sends a clear message that where offences have taken place, the criminal justice agencies will act to bring online offenders to justice.”